American Addiction Centers Blog

Substance abuse is the pattern and use of any type of substance in an adverse way for the purpose of modifying one’s mood. The word “substances” refers to prescription drugs, illegal drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol, as well as substances that are not considered drugs. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Substance Abuse and […]

It’s not always easy to spot drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace. People experiencing addiction often become experts at hiding their abuse until it is too late. Still, there are often a number of tell-tale signs that something is amiss. Keep an eye out for the following issues that may indicate drug and alcohol […]

If fentanyl was a houseguest, it has definitely worn out its welcome in the United States. It’s a Schedule II prescription drug meant to manage pain after surgery or to treat individuals with severe pain. Additionally, it’s a synthetic opioid, which happens to be 50-100 times more potent than morphine. The problem? Some individuals are […]

When discussing addiction, most of the time, people refer to physical addiction that occurs to a substance. However, psychological addiction is just as real. Even though it may not lead to life-threatening physical symptoms, psychological addiction can be just as uncomfortable as physical addiction. What Is Psychological Addiction? One way to understand psychological addiction is […]

Substance abuse and drug overdose deaths are on the rise. A big part of this trend may be in large part due to the pandemic, as this invisible enemy has wreaked havoc over so many areas of our lives. Especially mental health. Those in sobriety may have relapsed. Others who have been battling with drug […]

Addiction therapy is an excellent way to combat an alcohol or substance misuse problem. When you talk to a licensed therapist about your issues, they may be able to recommend ways to alter your behavior and reduce the things triggering your substance use. Choosing a therapist might be daunting, but you can use the following […]

Americans seem to be born with the natural ability to dream while we’re awake. We’re bred that way. Driven by the chance to succeed. The chance to rise above mediocrity. The chance to capture the ever elusive “American Dream.” The chance to mentally place ourselves anywhere but where we are physically present. But as a […]

When a family member is struggling with a substance use disorder, it affects the entire family. Their substance use may make others in the family feel like they are dealing with a stranger. It’s not uncommon for the person experiencing addiction to act completely out of character, making the entire family feel out of sync. […]

  An addiction may be hard to explain and even harder for many to understand. It’s a medical disease that’s both treatable and recurrent. It includes complicated interactions between brain circuits, the individual’s life experience, the environment, and genetics. And specifically, substance abuse can be a challenging addiction to face, but with help and treatment, […]

The band started playing a familiar tune from years past. What was the name and who sang it? A friend knew it was “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin and added that this artist died from a drug overdose. Jimi Hendrix did too. Jim Morrison was another. Elvis, Kurt Cobain, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse […]

When seeking treatment for a substance use disorder, you may benefit from addiction group therapy. Group therapy is not simply individual therapy in a group setting. It must be led by a trained counselor to be effective, and when done properly, it can help people struggling with addiction to resolve their problems. Benefits of Addiction […]

Think about California for a moment. What comes to mind? It’s likely Hollywood, Disneyland, the Napa Valley and beautiful beaches. Here’s a new one to add – fentanyl. Over the last several years, the supply of fentanyl in California has been ticking up big time. A trail of overdoses and deaths has followed. How large […]